In consequence of a statement made to me by Mr. D. Atkinson, recently returned from the south, that Mr. Samuel Deighton has publicly charged me in Wanganui with having discharged your orders, and left him to do all the ''drudgery'' of the work with the inland boundary of the Waitotara block, I take the liberty of reverting to my trip to Waitotara with Mr. Deighton on the 16th ultimo, in order that you may judge whether blame attaches to me.

On that day, in fulfilment of a promise made to Aperahama Parea, I left Wanganui, with Mr. Deighton, for Waitotara, rode over a portion of the block, called at Nukumaru, a village belonging to Hare Tipene, and passed to Perekama (I believe was the name) a small village on the south bank of Waitotara, where we stopped for the night.

On the following morning (the 17) I sent a messenger to the Ihupuku (probably 2 miles seaward of Perekama) for Aperahama, who replied in person, and by his wish we all went about a mile further up the river to a place called Wainui. Here I met Hare Tipene and his people, a party of Kai Iwi natives, and likewise a party of Ngatiporua natives. By direction, I believe of Hare Tipene, poles and a long rope
were brought forward, and a line marked out from Okiore to Wainui - the land seaward of which was then offered through me to the Government. As the Wainui was considerably seaward of Okiore, I consulted Mr. Deighton about proposing in the first place that the boundary should begin at Otawa (as originally proposed by Putiki natives) thence in a straight line until it struck the river Waitotara, and in the event of the proposal meeting with much opposition, to endeavour to carry the boundary from Okiore in a line parallel with the sea; so as to include a valuable triangular piece of land, which would give the block an oblong shape, and in my judgment tend to facilitate the future sale of the land inland of it. Mr. Deighton concurred in the suggestion and the proposals were accordingly made by me to the meeting - the Kai Iwi natives opposed the first, and the Ngatiporua natives, who were armed with loaded guns, opposed the second - in fact both of the above parties opposed any extension of the boundary as marked on the ground. I had seen too much of native character when excited and armed. with dangerous weapons to urge my point, for that reason I contented myself by saying I was ashaned of so small a piece of land - that the boundary at Wainui was close to the sea, and that when I considered the spots they themselves wished to be reserved - there would be nothing left
but sandhills for the pakeha - After this Hare Tipene said he could not extend the boundary with Ngatiporua in opposition, and then, repeated the offer of the land seaward of the line drawn from Okiore to Wainui, about which (he added) there was no opposition, and as he was unanimously supported by the Ngaraurus, I accepted the block on behalf of the Government.

Mr.Deighton said he could not see what other course I could have adopted.

It was then arranged with the concurrence of Hare Tipene, and the Ngaraurus generally, that the survey should commence at Okiore, and the meeting dispersed.

I returned with Mr. Deighton to Perekama, and as he agreed with me in opinion that nothing further could be done, he decided on going back to Wanganui the following morning, and returning to Waitotara as soon as possible with Mr. Porter.

As Aperahama Parea unexpectedly left Perekama for the Ihupuku, I at once decided upon going with him (as it was useless for me to remain at Perekama in his absence) and asked Mr. Deighton if he would accompany me, this he declined on account of the river which he would have been obliged to cross next morning. I then parted from him on a clear understanding that I should leave on the following day for
New Plymouth unless anything transpired during the night to detain me; and having consulted Aperahama who was of opinion that I had better leave, as he would work the question in my absence, I sent Mr. Deighton a ''bush'' note (I had neither pen nor ink) early on that day (18th May) acquainting him of I Aperhama's intention to accompany Mr. Porter, and cause the line to be cut from Okiore parallel with the coast until it struck the river Waitotara, as had been proposed at the meeting, and of my intention to leave for New Plymouth.

Although I have written to Mr. Deighton (privately) since my return, I am entirely indebted for information about the Waitotara block to a Ngatiporua native, named Narino, who arrived here last week with the Revd. M. Pezant. This native was present at the meeting held at Perekama, and at a komiti held 5 days after my departure, when subject to the consent of Ngatiporua it was decided, in consequence of remarks made by me at the meeting, to enlarge the inland boundary. He tells me that Ngatiporua consented, and that the block has been considerably enlarged - from his statement I should imagine more than doubled.

I trust his information is true, because my impression was that the block would be enlarged - it was merely a question of time, but the natives appear to have made short work of it.

I have been particular in detailing facts, because when I was in Wanganui Mr. Deighton sought my assistance, such as it was, and you may remember I spoke to you more than once on his behalf.

Had I disobeyed or even misinterpreted your instructions, Mr. Deighton must know that I should thereby have rendered myself amenable to the consequences, and I believe I shall be doing him no injustice in attributing his conduct towards me to some private end he seeks to serve at my expense.

I remain, My dear Sir,
Faithfully yours,
H. Halse
To:- McLean Esq.
Wanganui>
P. S. I have forwarded to Auckland a short report of His Excellency's visit to Wanganui for publication in the Maori Messenger as well as a Journal of my trip to Wanganui.

All is quiet here - Teira is anxious to have his ''tikanga'' settled.

Wi Tako returned south on the 9th instant, he has not occasioned so much mischief in this district as I expected. H.H.

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